Minocqua Area Fishing Report - 10/25/21

Cold temps have pushed many area lakes into the dreaded “Turn Over” period (insert spooky sound effects). Surface temps on most lakes running 51 – 56 degrees. Fishing reports have been off by the weekend with lots of grumbling from anglers finding fishing tough.

Smallmouth Bass: Good-Very Good – Thanks to a recent report (didn’t get your name) anglers finding Smallies stacking up along gravel/mud transitions in 22-26’. Live black chubs were this angler’s choice for lots of nice Smallies. Asking around, other anglers are finding similar success using drop-shot rigs to present 3” Gulp-Alive minnows and Walleye suckers. Larger lakes that haven’t experienced turn-over best!

Walleye: Good-Fair – Finding the right group of fish willing to bite has been tough. Even the deep fish have been tight lipped. Locating smaller lakes that have turned (under 600 acres, but at least 30’ depth) and slow dragging 1/2 crawlers on 1/8 oz jigs in 17-22’ worked for our boat on Sunday. Most anglers using chubs and large fats with success.

Musky: Fair – Luckily, most of my hair is gone, so unlike some of the more well-maned guides, I know I have little left to pull out. Mid-week was good with anglers scoring very well on Smity Jerks working green weeds, some in as little as 3-5’. But as weekend came, things got tough and little action, the best on suckers. With continued cold mornings (upper 20’s to low 30’s) and high barely cresting 50 most days, look for post turn-over action on gliders, jerks and live suckers to be best from here on out.

Northern Pike: Fair – No reports from targeted fish, just incidentals.

Largemouth Bass, Crappies, Perch & Gills – No Reports